Modular seating system

ABSTRACT

The technology described herein provides a seat wedge comprising at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge and at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge. The seat wedge is configured to interlock with an at least one adjacent seat wedge. The technology described herein also provides a modular seating system comprising a plurality of seat wedges. The plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern. The technology described herein also provides a portable seating assembly. The potable seating assembly includes plurality of seat wedges, a seat cushion, a base, a table top, a post, an umbrella, and a carrying means.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to seating systems and associated methods for providing seating to multiple persons. More specifically, this technology relates to a portable, modular seating system having multiple interlocking seat wedges, a base, a table, a post, and an umbrella.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is not uncommon for one to be in attendance at a sporting event, or the like, where the provided options for seating are limited to hard and uncomfortable metal, wood, and concrete seats. Sitting on such seating surfaces is difficult to endure for even a short period of time, often leading to soreness in the buttocks and lower back. This dilemma often encourages patrons to bring a seat cushion, or the like, to provide additional comfort. Additionally, such seating arrangements do not provide a table for use by those seated. Furthermore, such seating arrangements do not provide for an umbrella to provide a sun block.

Related patents known in the art include the following: U.S. Pat. No. D570,615, issued to Harrison on Jun. 10, 2008, discloses the ornamental design for a double lounge cabana.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a portable, modular seating system having multiple interlocking seat wedges, a base, a table, a post, and an umbrella.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a seat wedge. The seat wedge includes at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge and at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge. The seat wedge is configured to interlock with at least one adjacent seat wedge. The outer edge of the seat wedge is rounded in at least one embodiment.

The seat wedge includes a top surface configured to be sat upon. The seat wedge is shaped generally as a cylindrical triangle with a wide outer edge that tapers to an apex. The seat wedge also includes an inner indentation in the seat wedge to receive a portion of a base of a stand. The seat wedge additionally includes an outer indentation in the seat wedge to provide a foot and leg area under a lip rim.

The seat wedge can be manufactured from plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily transportable material. The seat wedge can be manufactured from a waterproof material. The seat wedge can be porous, having void spaces within, to create a lighter weight seat wedge.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a modular seating system. The modular seating system includes a plurality of seat wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side. The plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern and a seating arrangement to accommodate a multiplicity of patrons.

The modular seating system also includes a cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.

The modular seating system additionally includes a post base cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface configured to receive a post base.

The modular seating system further includes a foot and lower leg area, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the foot and lower leg area to provide seated patrons an ability to bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet under.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a portable seating assembly. The portable seating assembly includes a plurality of seat wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side. The plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern.

The portable seating assembly also includes a seat cushion to cover collectively the plurality of seat edges and to provide additional comfort to an at least one seated patron.

The portable seating assembly additionally includes a post base configured for placement in a post base cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface and a post configured to support an item above the at least one seated patron and configured for placement in a cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges when interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.

The portable seating assembly includes a carrying means to carry and transport the plurality of seat wedges, a table top configured for operable placement on the post, and an umbrella disposed upon the post.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a single seat wedge, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein, illustrating, in particular, the dovetails and wedges utilized for interlocking with other seat wedges;

FIG. 2 is a front planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, an area wherein the base of an umbrella stand is to be placed;

FIG. 3 is a rear planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an area for placement of feet and lower legs of one seated;

FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a left side planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a right side planar view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the single seat wedge depicted in FIG. 1 being placed together with other single seat wedges to form a generally cylindrical seating arrangement;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of multiple seat wedges being placed together to form a generally cylindrical seating arrangement;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of multiple seat wedges placed together to form a generally cylindrical seating arrangement; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portable, modular seating system, according to an embodiment of the technology, and illustrating, in particular, the multiple seat wedges placed together, an umbrella, a table, a post, and a seat cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a portable, modular seating system having multiple interlocking seat wedges, a base, a table, and an umbrella.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, a seat wedge 10 is shown. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily transportable material. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from a waterproof material. The seat wedge 10 can be porous, having void spaces within, to create a lighter weight seat wedge.

The seat wedge 10 includes at least one dovetail 12 located vertically along an edge of the seat wedge 10. As shown, there are two dovetails 12. The dovetail 12 can be integrally formed within the seat wedge 10. The seat wedge 10 includes at least one groove 14 located vertically along an opposite edge of the seat wedge 10. As shown, there are two grooves 14. The groove 14 can be integrally formed with the seat wedge 10. The dovetail 12 provides a means for the seat wedge 10 to connect with an adjacent seat wedge on one side. The groove 14 provides a means for the seat wedge 10 to connect with an adjacent seat wedge on the opposite side. As such, the seat wedge is configured to interlock with at least one adjacent seat wedge. The dovetail 12 and groove 14 do not have to be shaped as shown in order to successfully and securely hold two or more seat wedges 10 together. Alternative joining means can be utilized in alternative embodiments.

The seat wedge 10 includes a top surface 22 that is configured to be sat upon by a person or multiple persons. The top surface 22 is generally planar and is configured to receive a seat cushion. In at least one embodiment, the seat wedge 10 is porous, having a multiplicity of void spaces in the material of its manufacture. Generally, the greater the porosity of the seat wedge, the lighter the seat wedge 10 will be. The seat wedge 10 is configured to be very lightweight and easily transportable.

The seat wedge 10 is shaped generally as a cylindrical triangle with a wide outer edge 18 that tapers to an apex 16. The outer edge 10 can be rounded, straight, or patterned. Generally, a person is likely to sit upon the seat wedge 10 at a location closer to the outer edge 18 than the apex 16; however, the seat wedge 10 is constructed to support the weight of multiple persons in varied seating arrangements.

The seat wedge 10 includes an inner indentation 24 to receive a portion of a base of a stand. The base of an umbrella stand, or the like, can be placed under this inner indentation 24 without affecting the stability of the seat wedge 10.

The seat wedge 10 includes an outer indentation 20 to receive the lower legs and/or feet of a seated person who curls his or her legs under.

The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily transportable material. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from a waterproof material.

The outermost portion of the seat wedge includes outer rim 28 and lip rim 26. The lip rim 26 is suspended just above the outer indentation 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, a seat wedge 10 is shown in a modular seating system 32. The seat wedge 10 is placed in the wedge placement area 30 to be joined with other adjacent seat wedges 10. Each seat wedge 10 is configured to connect to two other adjacent seat wedges 10, one on the left side and one on the right side.

A series of seat wedges 10 joined together forms a circular, cylindrical seating arrangement. Each seat wedge has a top surface 22. Collectively the several top surfaces 22 form a modular seating system 32, upon which a multiplicity of persons can be seated. The modular seating system 32 is also configured to receive a seating cushion.

The modular seating system 32 also includes a cylindrical aperture 34 in the center. While the multiple seat wedges 10 are interlocked, a cylindrical aperture 34 is formed in a center of the seating system 32. The cylindrical aperture 34 is configured to receive a post.

The modular seating system 32 also includes a post base cavity 24 (as depicted in earlier figures). Collectively, multiple seat wedges 10, when interlocked, form the post base cavity 24 between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface configured to receive a post base.

The modular seating system 32 further includes a foot and lower leg area, formed from the collective outer indentations 20. While the plurality of seat wedges are interlocked, they form the foot and lower leg area to provide seated patrons an ability to bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet under.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a seating system 32 is shown. The seating system 32 includes a seat cushion 42 to cover collectively the joined seat wedges 10 and to provide additional comfort to a seated patron.

The seating system 32 includes a post base (not shown) configured for placement in a post base cavity 24. The seating system 32 includes a post 36 configured to support an item above the seating area. By way of example, post 36 can include an umbrella 38 to provide a sun block. The post 36 can hold other items such as, for example, a light or heating unit. Mounted upon the post 36 is a table top 40 to provide seated patrons a placed upon which to place items. Additionally, the seating system 32 includes a means to carry and transport the seat wedges, base, post, umbrella, table, and other associated items. By way of example, the carry means is a carrying bag.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A seat wedge comprising: an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge; an at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge; and wherein the seat wedge is configured to interlock with an at least one adjacent seat wedge.
 2. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: a top surface configured to be sat upon.
 3. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is shaped generally as a cylindrical triangle with a wide outer edge that tapers to an apex.
 4. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: an inner indentation in the seat wedge to receive a portion of a base of a stand.
 5. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: an outer indentation in the seat wedge to provide a foot and leg area under a lip rim.
 6. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised of plastic.
 7. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised of aluminum.
 8. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised of fiberglass.
 9. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised of a waterproof material.
 10. The seat wedge of claim 3, wherein the outer edge is rounded.
 11. A modular seating system comprising: a plurality of seat wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side; and wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern.
 12. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.
 13. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a post base cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface configured to receive a post base.
 14. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a foot and lower leg area, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the foot and lower leg area to provide seated patrons an ability to bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet under.
 15. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a seating arrangement to accommodate a multiplicity of patrons.
 16. A portable seating assembly, comprising: a plurality of seat wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form a circular seating pattern; and a seat cushion to cover collectively the plurality of seat wedges and to provide additional comfort to an at least one seated patron.
 17. The portable seating assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a post base configured for placement in a post base cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface; and a post configured to support an item above the at least one seated patron and configured for placement in a cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges when interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.
 18. The portable seating assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a carrying means to carry and transport the plurality of seat wedges.
 19. The portable seating assembly of claim 17, further comprising: a table top configured for operable placement on the post.
 20. The portable seating assembly of claim 17, further comprising: an umbrella disposed upon the post. 